Audiences around the world have come to know the ambidextrous talent that is British percussionist Simon Phillips. Not unlike the great Billy Cobham before him, Phillips also sports a monster, 12-piece, left-handed drum set, deftly struck with flams and paradiddles aplenty. The group "PSP" developed when Phillips and bassist Pino Palladino recently joined forces on keyboadist Philippe Saisse’s CD “At World’s Edge. It was that collaboration, which sparked the idea of incarnating the trio into a full-fledged working unit. PSP arrived at Yoshi's in Oakland last night and concludes their fiery set tonight.

“I’ve always had such tremendous respect and admiration for Simon and Pino as musicians, so playing with them in this trio is a dream come true for me,” admitted Saisse. “We discovered that we have an incredible synergy, and really compliment each other as live musicians,” added Phillips. The trio will also continue to pursue their solo endeavors as well.

Phillips has all ready completed tours featuring his own band in Japan, Indonesia, and Europe earlier this year, and is working on his own solo record. Palladino, who did recent tours with The Who and The John Mayer Trio, continues to work with Mayer on various projects, and the Welsh born bassist, remains to be one of the most sought after session players in the UK.

British born Phillips moved to Los Angeles in 1992 and set up his Phantom Recording Studios in San Fernando Valley. French born Saisse last year moved to Los Angeles after an 18-year stint living in New York, and now shares space at Phillip’s studio complex. The international rooted ensemble intends to make PSP stick, “We realized after our live gigs together, that what we’re doing musically feels pretty special, “ attests Palladino, “so we’re committed and excited about seeing how far we can take it.”

PSP: Simon Phillips / Philippe Saisse / Pino Palladino
Yoshi's in Oakland
Friday, February 25th
8pm show $24
10pm show $20